Ceylon: An Account of the Island Physical, Historical, and Topographical with Notices of Its Natural History, Antiquities and Productions

London: Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts , 1859. Cloth. Very Good. 9" by 5.5". None . A sweeping illustrated account of Ceylon by James Emerson Tennent in two volumes, the third edition. Sir James Emerson Tennent was an British politician and traveller, appointed colonial secretary of Ceylon from 1845 to 1850. Originally published in 1859, this comprehensive work contains a complete account of the island of Ceylon, with chapters looking at its geology, climate, flora and fauna, history, religion and Buddhism, farming, commerce, art, science, and Portuguese, Dutch, and English influence. This is followed accounts of elephants, the forest, and ruined cities.A remarkable encyclopaedic work that proved very popular, running through many revised editions within the first eight months, five editions until 1860. The present copies are third editions. Illustrated with a frontispiece to each volume as well as maps, plans, and numerous drawings in text. Two full page maps to vol. I and two folding maps to vol. II, one of which is partly coloured. Collated, complete. In the original publisher's uniform full cloth binding. Externally smart with minor shelf wear, spine and boards lightly bumped to extremities, few faint damp spots to front board vol. I. Stowe School Library bookplates to front pastedown, no further stamps or marks. Additional armorial bookplate to verso front free endpaper, Hinges reinforced. Internally, firmly bound. Few spots scattered to the occasional leaf, although generally pages appear very clean throughout. Illustrated with a frontispiece to each volume as well as various maps, plans, and numerous drawings in text. Two further full page maps to vol. I and two folding maps to vol. II, one of which is partly coloured. Collated, complete. Very Good